The Vale of Aylesbury Plan Bierton Fact Pack October 2011

Church of St James the Great

Contents

Section Page

1 Introduction page 3 2 Location and Setting page 6 3 Story of Place page 7 4 Fact File page 10 5 Issues Facing the Parish page 36 6 Parish Constraints page 38 7 Annex page 42

Front Cover Photo Source: Bierton, Broughton and Hulcott Village Website (2010)

1. Introduction

Purpose of the document

This Fact Pack document was initially produced in 2010 to help inform the town/parish council about the characteristics of their parish for the ‘community view’ consultation. This consultation was undertaken early on in the preparation of the Vale of Aylesbury Plan as part of a bottom up approach embracing localism and aiming to get local communities more involved in the planning process. The town/parish council were asked to consult with their community on the following:

 The level of future housing and/or employment development up to 2031, including specific types of homes, employment and other development  The location, sizes and phasing of development  The types of infrastructure (social, community, physical) needed to enable development, including where it should be located  Any other issues relating to planning and development

This Fact Pack document has also been used to support neighbourhood planning by providing evidence for the context of the neighbourhood plan, including information on housing, employment, infrastructure and the environment.

This Fact Pack document has also been used to support the Vale of Aylesbury Plan Settlement Hierarchy Assessment. This forms part of the evidence that classifies settlements into different categories, where different levels of growth are apportioned to over the next 20 years.

The document also forms part of the background work relating to Neighbourhood Plans as well as the production of the Vale of Aylesbury Plan. The Fact Pack does not form planning policy for Aylesbury Vale.

What the Fact Pack includes

The content of the Fact Pack reflects the size of the parish or town, providing the most detail for larger villages/towns which are likely to experience greater levels of growth, compared to smaller parishes/villages which are likely to experience less growth. Smaller parish’s Fact Packs have a more limited content in the Fact Packs. Fact Packs for larger villages/towns identify the following information:

 Location and setting within the district (relationship to other settlements)  Story of place (how the parish has developed from its origins to the present day)  Issues facing the parish (e.g. infrastructure and local services deficits)  Social demographics (population, age profile, social groups, levels of deprivation and crime levels)

 Economic profile (allocated employment sites, change of use to employment looking back 5 years, sectors of employment, levels of economic activity, distances travelled to work and broadband speeds)  Local service provision (retail, healthcare, leisure, public open space, tourism, and education)  Housing profile (dwelling types, tenure, occupancy, past completions and commitments, average house prices, housing needs waiting list and gypsy and traveller sites)  Transport infrastructure (road network, cars per household, public transport provision)  Environmental constraints (maps to identify agricultural land quality, landscape sensitivities, biodiversity constraints, flooding and historic constraints)

Fact Packs for smaller parishes/villages identify the following information:

 Location and setting within the district (relationship to other settlements)  Social demographics (population and age profile)  Housing profile (dwelling types, tenure, occupancy, past completions and commitments, average house prices, housing needs waiting list and gypsy and traveller sites)  Economic profile (employment change of B use classes looking back 5 years, sectors of employment and levels of economic activity)  Issues facing the parish (e.g. infrastructure and local services deficits)  Environmental constraints (maps to identify agricultural land quality, landscape sensitivities, biological constraints, flooding and historic constraints)

Where possible information in the Fact Pack has been supplemented with information from the town/parish council to draw upon local knowledge, particularly for the section on issues relating to the parish. Some town/parish councils have also published the document on their website for the community to view and use.

In addition to this Fact Pack, a district wide Fact Pack has been written to develop an understanding at the strategic level on the availability of infrastructure, services, facilities, planning issues and environmental constraints. This can be viewed on our website1.

Availability of data

Statistics identified in the Fact Pact are primarily from Census data (2001), AVDC monitoring data (updated annually) and research carried out by Buckinghamshire County Council. There are also a number of websites that have been used to retrieve information, such as crime statistics, broadband coverage and housing sales. Where possible, parish level data has been used. If this level of data is not available super output area (SOA) boundaries or ward boundaries have been used (often these cover a larger area than just the settlement). The boundaries of the parish, SOA and ward can be viewed on map 1 in this document.

1 District Fact Pack http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/local-development-plans/planning-policy/vale-of- aylesbury-plan-/fact-packs/ 4

This Fact Pack is a ‘living document’ which is intended to be regularly updated. Information contained within the Fact Pack is correct at the time of writing. It is acknowledged that some of the information may change over time and the Fact Packs will be updated accordingly.

2. Location and Setting

Super Output Area 7641

Key

Ward boundary Super Output Areas Boundaries Parish Boundary

For section 4 of this report, facts and figures have been identified from three different boundaries depending on the source of the information. In general all Census data is provided at parish level from 2001. AVDC Local Area Profile data relates to Super Output Areas (SOA) from 2006 and Home Track Intelligent Housing Systems data relates to the ward level from 2010.

In the case of Bierton the Ward and Super Output Area form the same boundary, with the parish forming a slightly smaller area, excluding the settlement of Hulcott.

3. Story of Place

Origins of settlement

Archaeological evidence suggests that the settlement of Bierton has been present for at least 2000 years and maybe much longer. The village occupied a strategic site, which was ideally sited for access to historic communication and transportation links. Running to the southeast of the village is Icknield Way, a supposed prehistoric pathway which follows the line of the Chilterns. To the southwest is Akeman Street (now the A41), a Roman road which is linked to Verulamium (St Albans) and to Cirencester,

Bierton was originally concentrated around the 14th century Church of St James (formerly the site of the Manor) and St Osyth's Well, due to the reliable source of water. There were also dispersed clusters of farms and other buildings along the Aylesbury Road up to Grove Farm in the south western part of the village. These date back to the 17th and 18th centuries with some 16th century buildings. The historic buildings are mainly found along the north‐western side of Aylesbury Road. However from 1780s onwards a number of these farm complexes were demolished and subsequently replaced by infill development.

Agriculture originally formed the mainstay of the economy, operating a three field medieval system. Other activities included duck breeding, lace making, straw plaiting and brickworks.

St Osyth's Well

Source: Bierton Village website, Daphne Haynes http://biertonvillage.org.uk/bierton‐and‐ broughton/stosyths‐well/

Post 1945 to 2000

The late 19th century saw a significant change in the character of Bierton, largely due to modern infilling between clusters of historical development. Modern developments were located along Great Lane, Parsons Lane and Burcott Lane, which has distorted the linear form of the settlement. These developments consist of detached and semi‐detached houses, facing onto the principal road or arranged in small planned cul‐de‐sac developments.

The once separate hamlet of Burcott located to the south‐east of Bierton is now connected to the village by modern development, which has crept along the south western side of Burcott Lane. This has changed the historic grain for the village and has resulted in virtually unbroken development along both sides of the A418.

Early to mid 20th century development, resulted in the village expanding almost up to the boundary of Aylesbury. This development resulted in a loss of open space around the Aylesbury Road and Burcott Lane junction. This was further compounded by the widening and straightening of section of the A418 during the 1950s.

During the 1960s to the 1990s, development was located mainly at the western end of the village. Five dwellings were erected at St James Way off Parsons Lane and five dwellings along Great Lane, at the end nearest to Aylesbury Road. A number of single dwellings were also erected along Aylesbury Road, south of Parsons Lane.

Development at Burcott was mainly during the 1980s, where ten dwellings were built at Marshalls Lane. Within the parish at Broughton, there has been no significant development, although a large housing estate for 411 dwellings was built to the north of Douglas Road along the adjoining parish border near to Broughton hamlet.

Development in the last ten years

During the last ten years development has been fairly limited with only small scale infilling occurring mainly along the Aylesbury Road.

Current Planning Consent –update

As of April 2011 there were 8 dwellings with planning permission waiting to be built.

4. Fact File

Social demographics

Population

 Bierton has a parish population of 2,119, with a split of 48% males and 52% females (Census, 2001).

 AVDC Settlement Audit from 2008 shows the Bierton village to have a population of 1,433 (Settlement Audit, 2008).

 More recent data from 2009 for Bierton Super Output Area (7641) – see page 6 map shows the population to be 1,778 (Local Area Profile, 2009). The SOA covers a larger area than the parish, as such this indicates that since 2001 the population of Bierton and Broughton has decreased.

Age profile 800

people 600

of 400 200

Number 0 People aged People aged People aged People aged People aged People aged People aged 0‐4 5‐15 16‐24 25‐44 45‐64 65‐74 75 and over

Source: 2001 Census, www.ons.gov.uk, © Crown copyright

 Bierton has predominately an aging population with a below average number of 13‐19 year olds and larger than average proportion of elderly people (Local Area Profiles AVDC, 2006).

 The most popular age group is between 25‐44.

Population Change

 The graph below shows there has been a continuous increase in population since 1951, with the largest increase being between 1981 and 1991, growing by 557 people.

 Bierton parish has 877 dwellings (March 2010, AVDC).

Mar‐ Mar‐ Mar‐ Mar‐ Mar‐ Mar‐ Mar‐ Mar‐ Mar‐ Mar‐ Mar‐ Mar‐ Parish/Year 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 Bierton with Broughton (*) 654 656 657 658 659 678 680 683 690 692 693 694

(*) Until March 2001 the figures for Aylesbury included parts of the parishes of Bierton with Broughton, Stone and Stoke Mandeville that were within the "built‐up" area of Aylesbury. At that date, the parishes of Watermead and Coldharbour were created; they comprise part of the "built‐up" area. Since that date, figures for the remaining parts of the parishes of Bierton with Broughton and Stoke Mandeville that are within the "built‐up" area of Aylesbury have been reassigned to Aylesbury parish.

Bierton Population Change from 1951 to 2001

2500

2000 People 1500 of

1000 Number 500

0 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001

Year

Source: 2001 Census, www.ons.gov.uk, © Crown copyright

Social Groups

A Classification of Residential Neighbourhoods (ACORN) developed by the Bucks Strategic Partnership shows the distinct groups of people that live within Buckinghamshire. The county is made up of 10 groups of households whose residents all have very different demographic

characteristics and lifestyles. This means that from the results, it would be possible to identify that more affluent groups are likely to have very different public service needs from those less affluent groups. The different ACORN group types are explained at http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/knowing‐bucks/research/acorn.page

ACORN Groups for Bierton Ward

ACORN Social Groups Wealthy Commuters 9.6% Well‐off Managers

36.2% Affluent Greys

24.1% Flourishing Families

Urban Professionals

0.4% Secure Families 8.6% Settled Suburbia/Prudent Pensioners 6.2% 14.9%

Source: Bucks Strategic Partnership, 2010

Source: Bucks Strategic Partnership, 2010 12

 Two thirds of this ward’s population (66%) are classified by the five most affluent ACORN Groups in Buckinghamshire.

 The ‘Wealthy Commuters’ is the largest of these five Groups accounting for 36% of the population, followed by the ‘Well‐off Managers’ (15%), the ‘Flourishing Families’ (9%) and the ‘Affluent Greys’ (6%).

 The ‘Flourishing Families’ Group (9%) can be further described as ‘Larger families living in prosperous suburbs (7.9%) and the ‘Affluent Greys’ (6%) can be further described as ‘Older affluent professionals’ (4.1%) and the ‘Old people living in detached houses’ ( 2.1%).

 A quarter of the population (24%) live in areas that are classified by ‘Secure Families’. This group can be further divided up into ‘Mature families living in suburban semis’ (17.3%), which is the highest in Aylesbury Vale District and ‘Established home owning workers’ (6.8%).

 One in ten people (10%) are classified by the ‘Settled Suburbia or Prudent Pensioners’ Group, which can be further described as having higher than average proportions of people living on ‘Lower incomes in semis’ (5.2%) and in areas with above average proportions of ‘Middle income older couples’ (4.4%). Less than 1% of the population live in the ‘Urban Professionals’ Group.

 This shows that there are a number of different social groups in Bierton, all which are relatively affluent, with wealthy commuters and secure families making up the majority of the parish.

Deprivation

The Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) provide an analysis of the levels of deprivation according to seven key indicators: income, employment, health, education, housing, crime and living environment (ONS, 2007). This is identified by Super Output Areas (SOA) for the settlement. The Super Output Area for which the parish of Bierton is located is in SOA 7641. The below IMD are for this area, as shown on the map on page 6.

“A scoring result out of 20 is shown for each category of deprivation where 20 would be the most deprived possible out of all Super Output Areas of the country and 1 the least.” http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadHome.do;jessionid=ac1f930c30d5db 879cdfef6f4ec0b3ddebacf2a8426b?m=0&s=1286534584186&enc=1&nsjs=true&nsck=true&nssv g=false&nswid=1249

The following indices demonstrate that in relation to total deprivation Bierton SOA is least deprived in the ‘living environment’, ‘health’ and ‘employment’ deprivation. Bierton SOA has the highest level of deprivation in ‘barriers to housing and services’ measuring two thirds along

the scale , followed by Crime, measuring a third along the scale. When compared nationally, Bierton SOA is still one of the least deprived areas in the country, falling within the top quartile.

Indices of Deprivation

Overall Deprivation Measures the following seven key indicators:

1) Income Deprivation Measures wages

2) Employment Deprivation Measures unemployment levels and access to jobs

3) Health Deprivation Measures population’s health

4) Education Deprivation Measures skill levels and access to education

5) Barrier to Housing and Services Measures access to affordable housing and services 6) Crime Measures levels of burglary, theft, criminal damage and violence 7) Living Environment Deprivation Measures both indoor and outdoor living conditions including condition of housing, air quality and road traffic accidents

Sources: Communities and Local Government; Office for National Statistics; Valuation Office Agency, (2007)

Employment

Allocated sites

There are no allocated employment sites in Bierton, although Aylesbury is nearby, where there are several large employment sites.

Aylesbury Employment Sites

 Stocklake Industrial Park ‐ 1.5 Km from Bierton  Evett Close – 1.5km from Bierton  ‘The Media Building’ Site of Hazells Werehouse – in Aylesbury, 1.5km from Bierton   Vale Industrial Estate – 3km from Bierton  Gatehouse Close – 3km from Bierton

Within Bierton, Aylesbury Road/A148 provides some smaller employment uses:

 Kelvin Garage – sales and repairs  Hair Eden Beauty – beauty centre  Bucks Community Impact Office  Affinity Independent Limited Financial Advisors  Cecil J Write Garden Machinery repairs and servicing  Simon Taylor Furniture store

Within the parish there are a few other sites;

 Ardenham Energy – Sales of solar panels ‐ Cane End Lane  Champion Dog Boarding ‐ Dog kennels and grooming centre ‐ Cane End Lane  Aylesbury Golf Centre ‐ Golf course, bar and restaurant ‐ Hulcott Lane  Several working farms within Broughton – Girdlers Farm, Brook Farm, Manor Farm and Oak Farm.

Employment Change for completed development since 2005

 The graph overleaf shows net employment completions which are identified as B1, B2, and B8 use classes. This includes offices, research and development, light industry, general industry, warehousing and distribution. Net floorspace takes into account demolitions and losses of B cuses. Please note that B class uses are likely to only contribute towards 50% of parish employment, with other employment being generated through non B class uses such as retail.

 The graph shows over the last five years there has been a small net increase in floor space by 29 m² . The greatest increase was in 2008, with an increase of 268 m². Current

commitments (planning permissions not yet carried out) would result in a net loss of 294 m² employment floorspace

Bierton Employment net floorspace

2009‐10 0

2008‐09 268

2007‐08 ‐225

2006‐07 152

2005‐06 ‐166

‐250 ‐200 ‐150 ‐100 ‐50 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 Net Floorspace (m²)

Source: AVDC, 2010

Sectors of employment

In looking at employment within Bierton parish, it is also important to understand the types of employment residents undertake and what areas/fields they work in. The AVDC Local Area Profile (2006) shows there are three main types of employment that the majority of the population work in. 18% of all people in the area work in real estate/renting and business, 16% work in wholesale/retail and 12% work in manufacturing (Local Area Profile, 2006).

The most common type of employment is managerial and professional accounting for 38%. 9% work for small employers and own‐account workers and 16% are classed as working in ‘semi‐ routine and routine occupations’ (Census, 2001).

Economic Activity

 The economically active account for 72% of the population (Census, 2001).  The economically inactive population accounts for 26% of the population, this includes children, students, disabled and the elderly (Census, 2001).

Economic activity

26% All people aged 16 to 74: Economically active : Employed All people aged 16 to 74: 2% Economically active : Unemployed All people aged 16 to 74 : 72% Economically inactive

Source: 2001 Census, www.ons.gov.uk, © Crown copyright

Mode travelled to work

Mode of travelled to work All people aged 16 to 74 in 5% 19% employment: Travel to work by public transport

All people aged 16 to 74 in employment: Travel to work by motorcycle; car or van

All people aged 16 to 74 in employment: Travel to work by other means or work at 76% home

Source: 2001 Census, www.ons.gov.uk, © Crown copyright

 The most common mode to travel to work is by motorcycle, car or van, accounting for 76%.

 19% of households travel to work by other means of transport or work at home.

 Only 5% of people travel to work by public transport, this is relatively low considering the good public transport networks and close proximity to Aylesbury.

Distance travelled to work

 Census data from 2001 shows the average distance travelled to a fixed place of work to be 15.7 km.

 The 2006 SOA data shows the most popular distance travelled to work to be between 2 to 5 kilometres, accounting for 33%. This reflects the location of the parish, just to the northeast of Aylesbury town, where a large proportion of the population work.

 13% of all people in Bierton travel more than 40km each day to their place of work. This is a small percentage in comparison to other parishes within the district.

 The map overleaf from the Employment Land Study (2008) outlines where residents travel to, based on each ward.

Commuting from Aylesbury Vale Wards

Source: Aylesbury Vale Employment Land Study (AVDC, 2008) NB: The colour of the arrows corresponds to the roads on the key

The most common place of destination from Bierton ward is Aylesbury rural, followed by Aylesbury town. A small proportion of people travel to M1, M25 and M40 corridors, London and elsewhere.

Broadband Speeds

There is no formal way of assessing Broadband speed and coverage. However we have drawn on some of the commercially available speed checking services to give a guide as to the coverage and speeds available in the parish. This does not mean that this is necessarily an obtainable level of service, but is as close as we are able to provide as an indicator.

Using www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk it would appear that Bierton has good coverage and speeds obtainable appear to be in the range of 0.4 to 36.55 Mbps, by a range of different service providers.

Shops and services

Bierton has a limited number of local shops and services. There are three pubs within the village, a combined Church of England primary school, Jubilee hall, and Bierton Sports Centre.

Health Care

The 2001 Census shows 75% of people to be in good health and 13% of the population to have a limiting long‐term illness (Census, 2001).

There are no health care facilities within Bierton although the settlement is near to Aylesbury town where a comprehensive range of health services and facilities are available.

The nearest Doctors practice is Poplar Grove Practice located at Meadow Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 1XB. This practice has seven doctors and a number of nurses. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 7.30 to 18.30 and Friday 7.30 to 18.00. The practice is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Nearest Health Centres are in Aylesbury, Wendover & Aston Clinton. o Brookside Centre Station Way, Aylesbury o Wendover Health Centre, Wendover o Aston Clinton Surgery, 136 London Road, Aston Clinton o The nearest pharmacy is Lloyds Pharmacy located at 34 High Street, Aylesbury o The nearest dental facility is Aylesbury Dental Health Centre located at 45 Buckingham Road

o The nearest hospital is Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury

The responses received from doctors surgeries covering the Bierton parish as at 17th October 2011 indicates:‐  At Westongrove (Aston Clinton, Wendover and Bedgrove surgeries) there are no current capacity issues but the partnership acknowledge there would be capacity issues if any major housing development is built in their area  Oakfield – There is some further capacity available  Broughton House – There is limited further capacity

Leisure Facilities

 Jubilee Hall  Bierton Sports centre  2 floodlit tennis courts  1 basketball court  football pitch  sports field  children’s play area  3 nature reserves 

Source – AVDC, 2011

Sports and Leisure Facilities – Locations:‐

 Aylesbury Golf Club  Bierton Church of England Combined School – football and netball  Bierton Jubillee Hall (indoor sports)  Bierton Sports Centre  Burcott Lane Recreation Ground (football pitch and tennis courts)

Source – AVDC, 2011

Access to Green Space

The following are locations of green space for which the accessibility audit has been carried out:‐

Green Space Size Recreation Ground Burcott Lane 17,634m2 St James Church Aylesbury Road 4,532m2 Allotments Bierton Road 20,026m2 Open Space Church Farm Close 698m2 Allotments Great Lane 10,085m2 Source – AVDC, 2011

The following table shows current provision against Accessible Natural England Standard (ANGSt) by Natural England which is considered a national benchmark and forms part of Government guidance on green space provision. The standard emphasizes the importance of accessible green space to local communities.

ANGSt Standard Comment on Sufficient Existing Provision 2ha‐20ha green spaces located within 300m of dwellings No. There are no sites within the main village settlement. 20ha‐100ha green spaces located within 2km of dwellings No. A new site within Bierton Ward is required for this standard to be fully met. 100ha‐500ha green spaces located within 5km of No. A new site within district dwellings is required for this standard to be met. 500ha+ green spaces located within 10km of dwellings No. A new site within the district is required for this standard to be met.

Playing Standard Comment on Sufficient Existing Pitch/Allotments Provision LEAPs/ NEAP 3 LEAP and 1 NEAP No. For existing urban development 3 further Locally Equipped Area of Play (LEAP)’s are required. 1 Neighbourhood Equipped Area of Play (NEAP) is required which could be located on the Recreation Ground.

Allotments 9 plots per 1000 Unknown for Great Lane Allotments. population Currently a waiting list of 27 for Bierton Road Allotments.

There is one place of worship ‐ St James the Great (Bierton and Hulcott parish). A weekly Sunday service is provided and seeks to serve the communities of Bierton, Bierton Park, The Coppice, Elmhurst (north of the Aylesbury ring road), Watermead and Buckingham Park.

There is no library in Bierton, although there is a mobile library, which stops at Great Lane on every other Friday between 11.25 – 12.10. Buckinghamshire County Council has proposals to potentially rethink library provision in the district. This may affect existing provision in the parish. The nearest library is at Aylesbury.

Tourism

AVDC hold no information on tourist attractions or hotel/guest houses within Bierton, however there are some nearby facilities:

 Stoke Mandeville Stadium, which attracts an average of 400,000 visitors each year.  Waddesdon Manor, which also attracts an average of 400,000 visitors each year.  The Five Arrows Hotel Waddesdon, which is grade 3* with 23 bedrooms.

Crime

The below data is based on burglaries, theft, criminal damage and violence (April 2002‐March 03). The column on the left shows a ranking of the relevant Super Output Area against all Super Output Areas nationally (there are around 32,500). An IMD score of 1 would mean the SOA is the highest crime area in the country. Whereas a ranking of 32,500 would be the lowest crime area based on these particular crimes.

Crime Deprivation

35000 30000 25000 Deprivation

20000

Multiple 15000

of 10000 5000 Indices 0 SOA 7641

Source: Indices of Multiple Deprivation, 2007

Bierton (SOA 7641) shows fairly strong rankings in terms of crime deprivation and as such low levels of crime deprivation falling within the top quartile nationally.

Education

Pre School Facilities

 Bierton Pre‐School at Bierton Sports Centre, Burcott Lane, Bierton, HP22 5AS  There are also several facilities on the east side of Aylesbury

School Primary Planning Areas

 Bierton falls within the Wing and Ivinghoe Primary Planning Area, where there are 10 primary schools.

 Within this primary planning area there is capacity for 1,561 pupil. In 2009/10 there were 1,365 pupils, leaving a surplus capacity of 13% (BCC, 2009).

Source: Buckinghamshire County Council, 2010

 Bierton has one combined Church of England School located along Parsons Road, ages 4 ‐11, mixed gender.

 There is currently a capacity for 280 pupils. In 2009/10, 278 pupils attended, leaving a spare capacity of 1% (BCC, 2010).

Secondary School

The nearest Upper Schools are in Aylesbury:

 Aylesbury Vale Academy ‐ Weedon Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 9PG  Aylesbury High School ‐ Walton Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 7SX  Aylesbury Grammar ‐ Walton Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 7RP

Within Aylesbury Town there is currently a capacity of 6,517 pupils, with 6,003 pupils currently attending, leaving a surplus of 8% (BCC, 2010).

Education Trends and Statistics

Please note there is no data available for GCSEs

At Key Stage 2, 92% of pupils in Bierton ward achieve Level 4 or above in English, compared to a regional figure of 81.3%. In Science, 95% achieve Level 4 or above compared to a regional figure of 87.6% and in Maths, 84% achieve Level 4 or above compared to a regional figure of 78%.

Key Stage 2 is ages 7‐11 (Junior School) within the Primary Curriculum. Level 4 is one of the higher standards of achievement for teaching effectiveness. More information on the stages and the curriculum is available at http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/curriculum/primary

Housing Stock Profile

Dwelling type 7% Detached house / bungalows 34% Semi‐detached / terraced houses / bungalow

Flat maisonette or apartment; or caravan or 59% temporary structure

Source: 2001 Census, www.ons.gov.uk, © Crown copyright

 The most common dwelling type is semi‐detached or terraced house/bungalow, accounting for 59%.  The average household size is 2.4 persons. This is just slightly below the district average of 2.5  The average number of rooms per household is 6, which is just above the district average of 5.8 (Census, 2001).

Household Tenure

9% Tenure Households with owner‐ occupied tenure 10%

Households with tenure rented from Council (local authority) or Housing Association / Registered Social Landlord Households with tenure rented from private landlord or letting 81% agency or other tenure

Source: 2001 Census, www.ons.gov.uk, © Crown copyright

 The most common form of household tenure is owner occupied (Census, 2001). Within this group 46% of homes are owned with a mortgage and 31% are owned outright (Local Area Profile, 2006).

 In Bierton parish, over 15% of the homes are owned by Registered Social Landlords (Local Area Profile, 2006).

Household Occupancy

 For clarification a ‘vacant’ household space is an unoccupied space which is not a household’s usual residence and is not a second residence or holiday accommodation, whereas ‘unoccupied household’ includes second homes and holiday residences.

 The graph overleaf shows there is no holiday residence/holiday accommodation in Bierton parish. Vacant household space accounts for 1.8%, with a further 1.8% of unoccupied household space. This is relatively low in comparison to the rest of the district.

Household Occupancy

1.8% 1.8% 0.0% Occupied household space

Second residence/holiday accommodation Unoccupied household space

Vacant household space

96.4%

Source: 2001 Census, www.ons.gov.uk, © Crown copyright

Market Data on completions and sales

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Completions 1 2 3 7 2 1 1 Commitments 10 13 12 8 6 5 8 Source: AVDC, March 2010

Commitment figures show the net housing commitments in each parish in the District. In other words, they show the number of houses (both new dwellings and conversions) for which there is a valid planning permission, allowing for those houses which have already been completed, and allowing for dwellings which are to be demolished or otherwise lost.

There has been no rural exception schemes or affordable housing scheme built in Bierton parish over the last five years.

Average Household Price

Average Household Prices from 2005

£450,000

£400,000

£350,000

£300,000 Price £250,000

£200,000

Household £150,000

£100,000

£50,000

£0 January July January July January July January July January July January July 2005 2005 2006 2006 2007 2007 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 2010

(Source: HM Land Registry, September 2010)

The above graph shows average house prices to have fluctuated since 2005. The highest property price was in July 2006 with an average price of £381,409. The lowest average price was in January 2006 with an average £243, 771. As such there was an increase in house value by £137,638 in 6 months. During the last year, house prices in Bierton have risen compared to 2009.

Housing Sales

In 2010 there were 12 property sales in Bierton ward. This equates to 1.7% of the private housing stock, compared to a regional average of 1.2% (HM Land Registry January to December, 2010).

The graph overleaf shows the number of housing sales peaked during 2007 with 37 sales. Since then the number of sales have been declining, showing a significant decrease between 2007 and 2010. This follows a similar trend to the rest of the district.

Annual Dwelling Sales

40 37 35 35 32 30 26 25 Dwellings

18 20 of

15 12 10 Number 5 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

(Source: HM Land Registry, September 2010)

New Build price comparison

Price comparision for new builds compared to previously occupied dwellings £450,000 £400,000 Previously Occupied Flat £350,000 Prices £300,000 Value New Build Flat Prices

£250,000 £200,000 Previously Occupied House Prices

Household £150,000 New Build House Prices £100,000 £50,000 £0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

(Source: HM Land Registry, September 2010) Please note not all the data is available for each year. This graph does not take into account the sizes of dwellings sold, which will inevitably impact on the price of the dwelling.

Between 2006 and 2009 new build house prices where increasing, where as previously occupied dwellings prices were decreasing, as such leaving a large difference between the average for new build and previously occupied dwellings in 2009.

Affordability

(Source: Hometrack, CACI, 2010)

The above graph is an affordability graph based on a mortgage three times an income. This graph shows the number of households in different household income bands in the area (bars) compared to the lower quartile price for different property types in the same area (horizontal lines). The diagonal lines rising from left to right show the value of property that can be afforded at different income multiples by a first time buyer and former owner occupier. The affordability calculations are based on a multiple of the average household income adjusted by the average loan to value for the different types of buyer.

The graph shows that in Bierton to buy a flat/maisonette for a first time buyer you need to be earning at least £25,000 to £30,000. For a owner occupier you need to be earning slightly less at £20,000 to £25,000 to buy a flat/maisonette.

Housing Need

In the Bierton parish, there are 29 households on the waiting list for Council housing (Source, AVDC October 2010). The total number of households on the council housing waiting list is 4,410. Please note that within this figure there are 1,022 people on the waiting list from outside the district and 120 households where the Council has so far been unable to map their location due to unrecognisable postcodes (please see annex 1 for map of district housing waiting list).

Gypsy Sites

There are no gypsy and traveller sites within the parish. The nearest site is at Little Acre, Broughton Lane, Weston Turville.

Transport

Bierton lies on the A418 strategic road, connecting Aylesbury to Leighton‐Buzzard and Milton Keynes, and as such having good road connections. Minor roads lead to Hulcott and Broughton.

The below graph looks at the number of cars owned per household based on data from the 2001 census. The graph shows that 87 of households own at least 1 vehicle, with a equal proportions (38%) owning at least one or two vehicles. In comparison to other parts of the district Bierton has a relatively high percentage of households who do not own a car (13%). This is likely to be because of the good public transport connections which already exist.

Number of cars/vans per household

11% 13% No cars or vans

One car or van

Two cars or vans 38% 38% Three or more cars or vans

There are three bus services operating along the A418, through Bierton. Route, 100, 150 and 165. A minimum of an hourly bus service between Aylesbury and Leighton – Buzzard is provided, Monday to Saturday. A limited service is provided on Sunday.

There are several sets of bus stops all along the A418 as seen below.

Public Transport Map

Source: BCC, 2010

Bus Stops

Flags showing bus stops Source: BCC, 2010

There are 22 Public Rights of Way within the parish of Bierton. This is comparable to other parishes of a similar size. The majority of the footpaths run from the centre of the village towards the outer rural areas.

The Aylesbury Vale Dial‐A‐Ride operate within Bierton. This is a charity organisation, providing a door to door minibus service in the Aylesbury Vale area for anyone who finds it difficult to use ordinary public transport.

Water Cycle and Flood Risk Issues

Bierton is supplied by the Aylesbury Wastewater Treatment Works. It is likely that any significant housing growth at Aylesbury town would result in the need to increase capacity of these treatment works. The implications for Bierton will be part of a Water Cycle and Flood Risk Study, part of the evidence update for the Vale of Aylesbury Plan in 2012. The current Environment Agency Flood Maps show there are areas prone to river flooding at the River Thame (far north of parish) and the Stocklake, Burcott and Broughton Brooks (south of parish).

Fact File Summary

 Steady population growth from 1951 to 2001 with the greatest increase between 1981 and 1991 growing by 557 people (Census, 2001);

 The age profile for the village shows the majority in the 25‐44 age band;

 Low levels of deprivation within the parish, particularly low when compared nationally and with surrounding parishes;

 Low levels of employment within the village with only limited employment opportunities, however well located to Aylesbury town where there are a range of employment opportunities;

 Villagers have access to good public transport, offering a range of frequent services to a wide range of locations;

 The village is served by basic facilities and has a few key services for villagers, specifically a primary school, village hall and sports and leisure facilities;

 There is a high proportion (59%) of semi‐detached and terraced dwellings, compared to 34% detached.

 House prices have fluctuated since 2005, peaking at £381,409 in July 2006. Except during January 2006 average house prices have remained steadily above £250,000 with a slight increase in 2010 compared to 2009.

 Annual dwelling sales haven fallen since 2007, from 37 in 2006 to 12 in 2010;

 Low levels of crime, particularly when compared nationally;

 There are fluvial flooding issues in the north and south of the parish.

5. Issues Facing the Parish

The following issues are identified by AVDC officers from parish council, Local Area Forum, Conservation Area publications and other information sources. They are issues considered to be most relevant to planning. The intention is for the parish council to add to and/or amend the list of issues shown, as appropriate. Please note there is no parish plan or anything specific to Bierton within the Greater Aylesbury Local Area Forum Plan. A community Led Plan has not been started.

The following issues have been identified from the Bierton Conservation Area and officer knowledge.

Preserve and Enhance Settlement Form o Avoid coalescence of the settlement with Aylesbury Town o Prevent any further infilling between dwellings along the A418 o Retain linear settlement formation and therefore prevent any outward development o Provision of green space and trees within the built up area

Preservation of Historic Environment  Resist erosion of the character of the Conservation Area through redevelopment pressures

 Ensure the character and form of new development within the Conservation Area is in keeping with the existing scale and form of development

 Preserve listed and important buildings, particularly: o 14th century St James Church (site of the former manor with remains of a medieval moat) o Pecks Farm Close medieval hall o Church Cottage o Red Lion Public House

. Preserve key views and vistas o Church of St James from the south west o View from St Osyth’s Well o Views of the Chiltern Hills looking south east from Bierton o View of Wingrave from Rowsham Road o View of Bierton from Burcott Lane o Along A418 in both directions

Traffic Congestion  Reduce congestion along the A418  Reduce noise and air pollution

 Improve road safety for users and pedestrians

Facilities  Provision of greater local facilities within the village

6. Parish Constraints

Five maps have been created to identify constraints relating to agricultural land quality, environmental constraints, historic constraints, landscape and infrastructure. The parish has a number of historic and environmental constraints to be considered.

Agricultural Land Map

Agricultural Land

The Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) provides a method for assessing the quality of farmland to enable informed choices to be made about its future use within the planning system. It helps underpin the principles of sustainable development. DEFRA produced guidance on the ALC in the planning system in 1998 and the most up to date data, was produced by Natural England in 2002.

Bierton is comprised of grade 2 and 3 agricultural land. Grade 2 covers the majority of Bierton village. Grade 3 agricultural land lies to the south and north of Bierton settlement. The area of land to the south of Broughton has had detailed assessment work, defining areas of grade 3a and grade 3b. The majority of the land is grade 3b, with small pockets of grade 3a. For the remaining areas of land identified as grade 3, detailed assessments will need to be carried out to identify if the site is 3a or 3b, otherwise the site will be assumed to be grade 3a.

Topography

Ordnance Survey maps show contours with land at heights of 5 metre intervals. Land heights are above ordnance datum (sea level). Bierton and Broughton sits 85 to 90 metres above sea level. Bierton sits on the southern slope of a low lying ridge which rises above the Vale. The A418 follows the line of the asymmetrical ridge which rises to the north‐east of the village. Towards the north‐west of the ridge the land falls away to the ThameValley and to the south it slopes gently to the low lying Vale.

Environmental Constraints Map

Biological Notification Sites

Near to the northwest boundary of Bierton and Broughton parish lies a large Biological Notification Site (BNS) called Hulcott Fields. This has been identified due to the locations of Natural Grasslands. Biological Notification Sites preceded Local Wildlife Sites as a local non‐ statutory designation. All Biological Notification Sites are in the process of being re‐surveyed and assessed under Local Wildlife Site criteria.

Notable Species

Bierton also has a large number of sites of Notable Species. Notable Species Sites are locations of important ecological species recorded by the Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire Biological Records Centre. The Notable Species Sites are sensitive information and as such the species of wildlife cannot be stated in the fact pack. However, the Environmental Records Centre can be contacted to give a case‐by‐case response – contact [email protected]. The Centre also has an information request form that people can fill in to provide the details of their search enquiry. This can be downloaded from their website at the following address: http://www.buckinghamshirepartnership.gov.uk/partnership/BucksMKERC/data_search.page?

Flood Risk

Bierton village has a small area of flood risk towards the south of the settlement. These are areas susceptible to Flood Zones 2 or 3 as defined by the Environment Agency. Towards the southern end of the parish near to Broughton, there are a significant areas susceptible to flooding lying in flood zones 2 and 3 and some surface water flooding, mainly towards the south of Broughton. Surface water flooding occurs when drainage capacities are likely to be exceeded during heavy rainfall.

Tree Preservation Orders

A small cluster of Tree Preservations Orders (TPOs) can be found between Barnett Way and the Aylesbury Road at Bierton village. TPOs are established by the Council for either individual trees or groups of trees and woodlands. They prevent trees being lopped/topped or uprooted that are particularly attractive or important to the character of the area. Particular hedgerows may also be important but are covered under separate regulations.

Historic Constraints Map

Conservation Area

From looking at the map on the following page it can be seen that Bierton has a number of historic constraints. Three Conservation Areas covers a high proportion of the village, specifically along the A418. A Conservation Area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. They are designated by AVDC. The first CAs were designated in 1967 and there are now over 8000 in England.

Listed Buildings

There are approximately 16 listed building within Bierton and 2 within Broughton. Listed Buildings are identified by English Heritage and help to conserve the structure, use and setting of a building important to history or architecture. The older a building is the more likely it is to be listed.

Archaeological Notification Areas

Bierton and Broughton are both covered by a number of Archaeological Notification Areas, mainly due to Roman remains. Archaeological Notification Areas are those area that within which there is specific evidence recorded on the Buckinghamshire Historic Environment Record.

Schedule Ancient Monuments

There is one Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM’s) located at the very south of Bierton due to a Moated site near to St James the Great’ Church. Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM’s) are those recognised as a nationally important archaeological site or historic building, and are given protection against unauthorised change.

Historic Land Use and Contaminated Land

There are three areas of historic land use within the parish, for former clay bricks and tile making, former factory works and the cemetery and grave yard by St James the Great church. Historic land use is where there are records of previous development of historic importance, which is no longer present.

Also where the former clay brick and tiles making used to be, is an area of potential contaminated land.

Landscape Map

Landscape Character and Sensitivity

A Landscape Character Assessment was produced in May 2008. The assessment covers the whole of Aylesbury Vale District outside of the built up areas of Aylesbury, Buckingham, Haddenham, Winslow and Wendover. It groups landscape into 79 landscape character areas and 13 landscape character types covering landscape, visual, historic and ecological considerations. The landscape character type for Bierton is Landscape Character Type 09, Low Hills and Ridges. Just outside the village towards the south including Broughton, the landscape character is classified as Vale, type 08.

An Areas of Sensitive Landscape study was produced in 2008 by Jacobs as evidence for the Local Development Framework. The study followed up the Landscape Character Assessment looking specifically at how sensitive areas are to change and new development. The following criteria determine how sensitive a landscape is: landscape quality, scenic quality, rarity, representativeness, conservation interests, wildness, associations and tranquillity. There are four categories of sensitive landscape identified in the Areas of Sensitive Landscapes study – the higher the percentage shown on the map, the more sensitive a landscape is likely to be to new development. The village of Bierton and north of Bierton has a landscape sensitivity of 50‐75%, with landscape sensitivity between 0‐50% towards the south of the parish.

Infrastructure and Transport Connections map

Bierton’s facilities, connections and infrastructure

The accompanying map shows Bierton in the context of its transport connections and infrastructure. As discussed within section 4 Bierton has a number of key facilities including a primary school, village hall and sports facilities. Within the village there is limited employment available, however beyond the village there are many opportunities within Aylesbury. There are no services or facilities within Broughton.. Bierton has 1 main route going through the centre of the village, which connects to Aylesbury and Leighton‐Buzzard. Smaller roads leads to Burcott and Broughton.

0 10 90 95 95 Bie90rton Agricultural Land Use Classification and Topography

80 90

85 8

7 5 5 8

8 8 0 0

8 85 75

85 0 85 5 9 9

8 0

9 0 Bierton with Broughton CP

Key Agricultural Land Classification (detailed) Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3a Grade 3b Grade 4 Not Surveyed Other Agricultural Land Classification (Non detailed)

90 Grade 1 5 8 Grade 2 Grade 3 9 Grade 4 0 80 0 5 8 8 Grade 5 0 100 200 300 400 500 600

5 Non agricultural 8 Metres ´ This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the Urban permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown copyright. Parishes 8 Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright 5 and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Contour Lines Aylesbury Vale District Council 100019797 2010 1:16,000 0 85 9 8 85 85 5 Bierton Environmental Constraints

Key

Parish SSSI Tree Preservation Orders Biological Notification Sites Ancient Woodland % Notable Species Local Wildlife Sites 0 185 370 740 Metres ´ Flood Plain Areas Suseptible to Surface Water Flooding © Crown Copyright an d database right 2011. Ordnance Survey 100019797. 1:16,000 Bierton Historic Constraints

Key

Parishes Conservation Areas

0 50100 200 300 400 500 600 Listed Buildings Scheduled Ancient Monuments This map is based upMon eOrtdenarnsce Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Archaeological Notification Areas © Crown copyright. ´ Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright Historic Land Use and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Aylesbury Vale District Council 100019797 2010 1:15,000 New Potential Contaminated Land (2) Bierton Landscape

Key Settlements LCT 08 Vale LCT 09 Low Hills and Ridges

Landscape Sensitivity 0 75 150 300 450 600 750 900 0 - 50% Metres 50 - 75% © Crown Copyright and database right 2011. Ordnance Survey 100019797. ´ 75 - 90% 1:15,000 90 - 100% Bierton Infrastructure and Transport Connections

Key

Industrial Sites Aylesbury Aylesburyindustrialunitsfina Parishes Employment Facility Retail Service Principal Bus Routes 0 50100 200 300 400 500 Main Roads Metres ¾½ This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the Cycle Routes permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown copyright. Cycle Stops

Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright ´ and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Public Rights of Way Aylesbury Vale District Council 100019797 2010 1:15,000 Public Rights of Way

Annex 1: Housing Waiting List

Annex 2: References

Local Plans Source AVDC Community Led http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/community‐living/community‐ Planning led‐planning/ Community Led Plans ‐ www.clp‐se.org.uk South East Rural Communities Council Local Area Plans http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/our_communities/local_area_plans. page Statistics ACORN ward profile Paper copy. Buckinghamshire County Council, March 2010

Local Area Profile Paper copy, AVDC, 2006 Employment Land Study http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/local‐development‐ 2008 plans/planning‐policy/withdrawn‐core‐strategy/avldf‐evidence‐ base/employment‐evidence/aylesbury‐vale‐employment‐land‐study‐ march‐2008/?LGNTF=71 ONS www.ons.gov.uk BCC education Paper Copy. BCC Cabinet report from May 2010. Also information from BCC, December 2010 School Location http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/schools/ea_Name_search.page Doctors Information from database held by the Primary Care Trust, October 2010 Housing Hometrack http://www.housingintelligence.co.uk/ (membership required) Completions AVDC monitoring data, 2010 (ongoing)

Commitments AVDC monitoring data, 2010 (ongoing)

Affordable Housing AVDC monitoring data, 2010 (ongoing) Completions No. Parish Dwellings AVDC monitoring data, 2010 (ongoing) (Housing Stock) Rural exception schemes AVDC monitoring data, 2010 (ongoing) Employment Losses and gains in last AVDC monitoring data, 2010 (ongoing) five years (B1,2, and 8)

Environmental Constraints Listed buildings http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/gateway/

Maps AVDC, December 2010. Produced using ArcMap with license from Ordnance Survey Conservation Areas and http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/local‐development‐ Management Plans plans/planning‐policy/supplementary‐planning‐ documents/conservation‐area‐supplementary‐planning‐document/

Green Infrastructure Aylesbury Vale Green http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/leisure‐culture/parks‐open‐ Infrastructure Strategy spaces/aylesbury‐vale‐green‐infrastructure‐strategy/ 2011‐2026

Buckinghamshire Green http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/strategic_planning/green_infrastruc Infrastructure Strategy ture.page

AVDC Green Spaces http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/leisure‐culture/planning‐policy‐ Audit guidance‐17/‐green‐space‐audit/

Transport Public transport stops http://www.transportforbucks.net/Buses‐and‐trains/Maps/Real‐ time‐bus‐map.aspx Bus time tables http://www.transportforbucks.net/Buses‐and‐trains/Bus‐ timetables.aspx Community Transport http://www.alt‐transport.org.uk/schemes_av.asp Schemes Other Settlement audit 2008 http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/local‐development‐ plans/planning‐policy/withdrawn‐core‐strategy/avldf‐evidence‐ base/miscellaneous‐evidence/review‐rural‐settlement‐hierarchy Aerial Photography http://maps.google.co.uk/maps Population stats from AVDC, 2010, paper copies available on request for the last 5 censuses 1951